Are you craving a dessert that's both incredibly easy to make and unbelievably delicious? Then look no further! This Lorna Doone Banana Pudding recipe is a creamy, dreamy delight that’s perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. It’s a classic comfort food, elevated with the buttery crunch of Lorna Doone shortbread cookies, creating a texture and flavor combination that's simply irresistible. This recipe is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just a cozy night in. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet elegant homemade dessert!
Ingredients:
- 1 (14 ounce) package Lorna Doone shortbread cookies
- 4 cups milk
- 1 (5.1 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, pudding mix, and sugar until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to thicken. This is the base of our delicious banana pudding.
Step 2: Layer the Pudding
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, begin layering your pudding. Start with a layer of Lorna Doone cookies, arranging them to cover the bottom of the dish. Don't worry about perfection; a rustic look adds to the charm!
Step 3: Add the Bananas
Next, add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the cookies. Try to arrange them evenly to ensure every bite has a delicious banana flavor.
Step 4: Repeat the Layers
Repeat steps 2 and 3, layering more cookies and bananas until all ingredients are used. End with a layer of cookies on top.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the pudding to fully set. Before serving, you can top with whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence!
Tips for the Best Lorna Doone Banana Pudding:
- Use ripe bananas: Ripe bananas are sweeter and will add more flavor to your pudding.
- Don't overmix the pudding: Overmixing can lead to a lumpy pudding. Gentle stirring is key.
- Chill thoroughly: Allowing the pudding to chill completely will enhance the flavors and set the pudding properly.
- Get creative with toppings: While whipped cream is a classic choice, you can also add chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Chocolate Banana Pudding: Add ½ cup of chocolate pudding mix to the vanilla pudding for a richer, chocolatey flavor.
- Coconut Banana Pudding: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the pudding mixture for a tropical twist.
- Peanut Butter Banana Pudding: Stir in ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to the pudding mixture for a delicious peanut butter and banana combination.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on variations and serving size)
This recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. The creamy pudding, the sweet bananas, and the delightful crunch of the Lorna Doone cookies create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy this easy and delicious dessert any time of year!